Jaguars: Filling team needs this offseason
By David Levin
The Jacksonville Jaguars have plenty of needs this offseason. Can the front office and coaching staff prioritize them to find team stability?
Jaguars general manager David Caldwell keeps telling us the franchise is in a good position when it comes time for free agency and the NFL Draft. How many lucky rabbit’s feet will he have to hold onto to balance the salary cap, sign free need free agents, renegotiate existing contracts and pick the right numbers to the power ball in April.
It isn’t as easy as it seems.
"“The Jaguars, who have gone 5-11 and 6-10 the past two seasons after their 10-6 AFC South Championship season in 2017, lost six of their last eight games last season,” John Oehser of Jaguars.com writes.“They enter the offseason needing to make salary-cap-based decisions on the futures of at least three key veteran defensive players – end Calais Campbell, cornerback A.J. Bouye and defensive tackle Marcell Dareus – as well as wide receiver Marqise Lee, perhaps offensive linemen such as guard Andrew Norwell and center Brandon Linder and linebacker Jake Ryan.”"
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This roster has a chance to look completely different from last season. Whether that means change for the good is an unknown issue right now. With Caldwell steering the ship, it remains a hard sell to see if current veterans are willing to cut contracts and help this team succeed after being fed the company line the past two seasons.
Campbell said at the end of the season he was still on the roster and still intends to play here in Jacksonville next season. It’s a business first and a game second. Campbell hasn’t mentioned a thing about taking a pay cut to wear the Black and Teal next season, in fact, he told the media at the Pro Bowl last week he believes he is worth his salary.
Everyone, stay tuned.
Then there is Yannick Ngakoue, who sends cryptic messages through social media about his future. The Jaguars still want him here in uniform for the 2020 season.
"“It’s a deal that we feel like could take a little bit of time but should be done hopefully relatively easily,” Caldwell said."
Stay tuned for that as well, since there are rumors teams like Buffalo and the New York Giants are salivating at the idea of bringing him into to help the pass rush.
The Jaguars have major needs all over the field. Some are more heavily than others, but they matter just the same. If the team is to compete next season, these must be addressed. Even with changes to the roster and the payroll, luring players away to play here in North Florida is going to be tough by any measure.
Having a coaching staff and front office that is working on a one-year deal makes things as dicey as they have been in some time. There hasn’t been a change with defensive coordinator Todd Wash and the new offensive coordinator, Jay Gruden, will most likely change the offensive plan.
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Can the Jaguars, who have two picks in the first round of the NFL Draft, turn it around in a few short months? It’s something we are all waiting to see.